KUALA LUMPUR: Schools with a history of bullying will be prioritised for closed-circuit television (CCTV) installation as part of the Education Ministry’s latest safety initiative, which aims to better protect students and prevent future incidents.
The ministry said RM3mil has been allocated this year for the installation of CCTV systems in 200 dormitories nationwide.
Work on the project began on Monday and is expected to be completed by November.
The selection of schools is based on a risk assessment, taking into account several factors including the number of reported bullying cases over the past two years, student population density, existing security measures and the readiness of electrical and network infrastructure.
“The site verification and technical advice on camera placements were provided by the Office of the Chief Government Security Officer (CGSO),” the ministry said yesterday.
It added that internal guidelines have been developed to ensure that CCTV installations comply with personal data protection and privacy laws.
“The phased installation of CCTV systems reflects our commitment to strengthening safety and reducing the risk of bullying in schools and dormitories nationwide,” it said.
Education Ministry deputy secretary-general (planning and development) Datuk Wan Hashim Wan Rahim said the CCTV system would help address long-standing safety issues and assist in investigations.
“This installation targets high-risk boarding schools, including those with a history of bullying. We expect the system to be fully operational by early December,” he told reporters after attending the Terengganu Education Department’s 2025 retirement ceremony in Kuala Nerus.
Wan Hashim explained that the number and placement of cameras would differ depending on each school’s needs, with installation done in consultation with CGSO and the police to ensure privacy protection for students and staff.
While the initial focus is on boarding schools due to high installation costs, Wan Hashim said there are plans to expand CCTV coverage to other schools in the future.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry is also strengthening mental health and intervention programmes across all educational institutions under its jurisdiction.
She said recent safety-related incidents, including the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old student by a schoolmate in Bandar Utama on Tuesday, have highlighted weaknesses that must be urgently addressed.
